Home Hobbyist Training, Where to begin?

Randy and HSS has good points about not limiting myself to a combo unit.
Since we are on the subject of types of equipment what is suggested? I know this can be a touchy subject because everyone has their favorite.
For a mill I'm guessing a vertical mill is what I should get, but which manufacturer would be good for a $1500 +/- budget? Same thought and budget for a lathe?
Now I see a lot of talk about South Bend and I've reviewed Jet, Smithy and even Grizzly. What are things to look out for in selecting a brand?

Now most of you will say to buy used or used and restore, but I'm not sure if I have the experience to select used and worn equipment. Eventually I would like to expand to CNC, but that would be down the road and only maybe. One thing I know is to get a good motor and watch out for cheap stuff. Who makes good motors and what are good equipment models for the price?​
 
All great inputs so far, I appreciate the feedback especially the links from Nelson, Tyrannis and the previous thread link from Mayhem. I do have a plan to attack this massive undertaking of starting this hobby and my questions will be to build upon and expand that plan.
So I don’t put the cart before the horse like I’ve done in the past my plan in broad terms is as follows;
1. Gather, store, organize and create an index of the information collected. Study and continue research
2. Research equipment for selection, cost and space available
3. List the projects and items that I would like to create. My thoughts are on smaller items, but I’m sure most people grow beyond what they think they will need.
4. Initial research tells me there are few avenues available in San Diego to find someone to learn or train under, but I won’t stop searching. I’m limited as only have nights and weekends available due to my job.
5. College training, I found City college has several programs, but looks like only one class then everything else is CAD/CAM and CNC. Not much to pick from
6. Select and purchase my equipment
7. Get started applying what I learn.


For initial equipment the reason I was thinking about a combo unit is because most of what I want to build will be small, at least at the beginning. I have time before I end up setting up equipment so continued research will answer initial purchase questions.
Other reasons right now are due to divorce I am renting so I don’t want to move heavy equipment every time I move.
After another two or three years I can get back into the housing market and get a place where I can build or reserve space for a small shop setup, but for now it will be out of the garage.
From the links below if I get a milling machine it should be a vertical one

vertical vs horizontal milling machine
http://www.sperdvac.org/Horizontal%20Mill/Mill_horizontal_face_milling.htm

Link below tells me I should get a vertical mill machine
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=12214

 
Dewey said:
Randy and HSS has good points about not limiting myself to a combo unit.
Since we are on the subject of types of equipment what is suggested? I know this can be a touchy subject because everyone has their favorite.
For a mill I'm guessing a vertical mill is what I should get, but which manufacturer would be good for a $1500 +/- budget? Same thought and budget for a lathe?
Now I see a lot of talk about South Bend and I've reviewed Jet, Smithy and even Grizzly. What are things to look out for in selecting a brand?

Now most of you will say to buy used or used and restore, but I'm not sure if I have the experience to select used and worn equipment. Eventually I would like to expand to CNC, but that would be down the road and only maybe. One thing I know is to get a good motor and watch out for cheap stuff. Who makes good motors and what are good equipment models for the price?​
Click to expand...

Well Dewey, for +/- $1500 you are looking at a small benchtop mill or a used larger mill. Do you really have a need, right now, for a mill or is it just a want? You know lathes have been around a lot longer than milling machines and you can make milling attachments for the lathe. Take the budget money for both machines and get a good lathe. Then continue to look for an afordable mill that won't break the bank but will fill the need later on. A lot of guys started out with just a lathe and fell into a fantastic deal on a mill later on. Or you can spend all of that budget money on a combo. I bought a combo and haven't regretted it at all. But, I fell into some really great deals later when I wasn't really looking that hard for anymore machines. Funny how it works that way, when you get into this addiction, you know what to look for and you keep your eyes open at all times for the machine covered with junk and dust. I walked into an electricians shop to work on his ice machine and immediately spied an old lathe against the wall covered with starter cans and electrical stuff. I asked him what he used the lathe for and he said he didn't use it anymore and was going to get rid of it. I bought it right then and there, 13X60 SouthBend lathe. Go for a lathe and worry about a mill when you absolutely cannot do without one any longer.
Good luck
Pat
 
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